Remembrance Day 🌹

Every year in November, the world of football in the United Kingdom comes together in solemn reflection to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice during times of war. The poppy, a small red flower with profound symbolism, has become an inseparable part of Remembrance Day commemorations both on and off the pitch. In football, the poppy represents far more than a token of remembrance—it embodies unity, respect, gratitude, and the enduring connection between the sport and the armed forces. The traditions surrounding the poppy in football are deeply rooted in the nation’s history, intertwined with moving stories of players who served and sacrificed before, during, and after the two World Wars.

The Symbolism of the Poppy in Football

The poppy symbol originates from the famous poem “In Flanders Fields” written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae during World War I. The flower became a symbol of remembrance after growing on battlefields where many soldiers lost their lives. Adopted by the Royal British Legion in 1921, the poppy came to represent a nation’s gratitude towards those who served in the military. Football, being at the heart of British culture, naturally became one of the most visible platforms for national remembrance.

In the weeks leading up to November 11th, football grounds across the UK—from the Premier League to grassroots—turn into places of reflection. Players wear poppies embroidered on their shirts, stadiums observe moments of silence before kick-off, and the haunting sound of “The Last Post” echoes through the stands. The sight of thousands of fans standing together in silence before a match illustrates how football transcends competition, uniting supporters regardless of rivalry.

The poppy in football also symbolises the sport’s acknowledgment of its own wartime history. When war broke out, footballers were not just athletes—they were citizens who felt the same patriotic call as millions of others. Many professional players enlisted, some forming special battalions, while clubs and leagues were reshaped by the turmoil of global conflict.

Pre-War Football and the Outbreak of World War I

When World War I began in 1914, football faced criticism for continuing the domestic leagues while men were fighting abroad. The debate over whether football should pause became a moral question. Some argued the game provided much-needed morale and entertainment for a worried nation; others believed it sent the wrong message. Eventually, the pressure grew, and by 1915 the Football League season was suspended. Many players and fans alike enlisted to serve, giving birth to one of the most remarkable wartime stories in football—the Footballers’ Battalion.

Formed in December 1914, the 17th (Service) Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment, known as the Footballers’ Battalion, consisted of professional and amateur footballers, club staff, and supporters. Among those who joined were players from clubs such as Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur, and Clapton Orient (now Leyton Orient). The latter club, in particular, became famous for its contribution—41 players and staff enlisted, and three players, Richard McFadden, William Jonas, and George Scott, tragically lost their lives in battle. Their courage became an enduring symbol of football’s sacrifice and spirit.

One notable story is that of Vivian Woodward, a star striker for Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, who captained both England’s amateur and full national teams. When war broke out, Woodward immediately volunteered, serving as a lieutenant in the Royal Garrison Artillery. Despite suffering injuries, he returned to play briefly after the war, embodying both bravery and the resilience that football would later come to represent in post-war Britain.

Football During and After World War II

When World War II erupted in 1939, football once again faced disruption. The Football League was suspended, and many stadiums were requisitioned for military use, air raid shelters, or hospital spaces. However, football found a way to adapt. Wartime leagues and regional competitions were established to maintain morale among both civilians and troops. These matches often featured guest players—footballers stationed nearby or on leave—creating a unique sense of camaraderie and community within the sport.

One remarkable wartime moment came in 1943 when the Football League War Cup Final was held at Wembley Stadium, drawing thousands of spectators despite the ongoing conflict. Football became a tool for maintaining national spirit; soldiers played matches on army bases, and games were broadcast to boost morale.

Among the many footballers who served during World War II was Frank Soo, an English-Chinese player for Stoke City and England (wartime internationals). Soo joined the Royal Air Force and represented the country in several wartime matches, becoming a symbol of unity and diversity during a time of division and uncertainty. Similarly, Sir Stanley Matthews served in the Royal Air Force as a physical training instructor but continued to play in wartime matches, bringing joy to audiences amid hardship.

After the war ended in 1945, football played a pivotal role in restoring a sense of normality. Stadiums once again filled with fans eager for hope and entertainment. Clubs had to rebuild not only their teams but also their communities. Many players never returned—either lost in combat or physically unable to play again—yet their legacy lived on through remembrance. Football had evolved into more than a sport; it had become a symbol of endurance and collective healing.

Modern-Day Remembrance and Controversy

Today, the poppy remains a central symbol in football’s remembrance traditions. Premier League teams wear poppy-emblazoned shirts that are later auctioned to raise funds for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, supporting veterans and their families. Even grassroots clubs and local leagues hold remembrance ceremonies, reinforcing the sport’s deep respect for history.

However, in recent years, the wearing of the poppy has occasionally sparked political debate. In 2016, FIFA initially banned players from wearing poppies during international fixtures, claiming it was a political symbol. The decision caused widespread outcry in the UK, with the Football Association and the government strongly defending its significance as a symbol of remembrance, not politics. The ban was later lifted, reaffirming the poppy’s rightful place in football’s traditions.

Beyond the controversies, the emotional impact of the poppy remains powerful. Each November, stories resurface of clubs like Hearts in Scotland, who lost seven players in World War I after many enlisted together in McCrae’s Battalion, or of local communities who honour fallen footballers with memorial plaques. These acts of remembrance ensure that the human side of football’s history is never forgotten.

Conclusion

The poppy’s presence in football each November is a poignant reminder that the game’s history is intertwined with the story of national sacrifice. From the Footballers’ Battalion of World War I to the wartime leagues of the 1940s and the modern commemorations that unite clubs and fans, football continues to honour those who gave their lives for freedom.

In stadiums where passion and rivalry usually reign supreme, the silence before kick-off during Remembrance fixtures speaks louder than any chant. It is a moment that transcends sport—a time to reflect on courage, loss, and unity. The poppy, worn proudly on the chest of players and fans alike, symbolises more than remembrance; it represents the values of respect, resilience, and gratitude that football shares with the generations who fought for peace.

Through stories of pre-war and post-war football, the game reminds us that while the matches continue, the memory of those who served will never fade. Football’s tribute to them, year after year, ensures that the legacy of the poppy—and what it stands for—endures forever.